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Head-to-Toe Health Habits You Need in Your Life
by Kimberly Hayes
Good health, both mental and physical, is key to living your best life. While many of us tend to let work and family obligations overrule our health efforts, we owe it to ourselves to take care of our bodies inside and out. If you’re stalled in making changes, know that you can improve your health, head to toe, by forming new habits in just a few weeks.
Brain Games
In order to keep the brain working at maximum efficiency, it’s important to exercise it regularly, just like you would other muscles in your body. Reading and writing are great ways to help keep your brain sharp, and adult coloring books are great for exercising the creative part of your brain. Solving puzzles uses the analytical part of your brain, which is beneficial for mental acuity.
Here is one super-fun example from Magic Eye, Inc. Make the image as big as you can and see if you can see the image in 3D. Takes about minute to see for most.
Our Eyes Are Our Windows
Many people take their eye health for granted. But eye health is especially important now and in old age to help us see and function unimpeded. Annual eye exams are essential to early detection of glaucoma, cataracts, retina problems and even diabetes. If you haven’t seen an eye doctor in a minute, it’s time to get an appointment on the books.
What Good Teeth You Have
Oral health is another area that could use extra attention. By brushing twice daily and flossing, you’re ensuring your teeth stay healthy for the long haul. Poor dental health can lead to numerous health issues besides gingivitis, like heart disease and even dementia. Stay on track with your oral health and see a dentist twice a year for cleanings. If you don’t like your dentist or haven’t been in a while, look online to find one nearby who accepts your insurance plan.
Healthy Skin
Your skin is the body’s largest organ, so you want to make a considerable effort to protect it. Some of the easiest ways to take care of our skin involve staying hydrated, using an SPF daily and applying moisturizer. It’s also a good idea to see a dermatologist once a year to check for any abnormal moles or growths that could be cancerous — early detection is critical. If you’ve been neglecting your skin health, there’s no time like the present to reverse course. Give yourself extra motivation through the incentive of a spa day once a while with rich moisturizers and skin-clearing masks. You’ll be helping your skin and boosting your mental health. We continue with more health habits you need below.
No Gut Punches
Gut health can have a profound effect on our overall health. If our digestive system is out of whack, many other systems follow. Part of maintaining gut health includes eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, incorporating prebiotics and probiotics, and eliminating foods that contribute to inflammation. If your pantry and fridge need an overhaul, look to add whole grains, lean proteins, fermented foods, fruits and vegetables.
Saving Your Knees
Your knees take a beating with all the walking and running and twisting you do every day. Multiply that times years of wear and tear and you could end up with damage down the road.
Part of taking care of our knees means regularly exercise, using caution when lifting heavy objects, and paying attention to little aches and pain. Even with all of those efforts it’s still common for many seniors to need knee replacement. When surgery happens, it’s critical to get your knees back up to speed with proper therapy like the X10 Knee Recovery system. Doing so ensures a quicker return to normal life.
Muscling Up
Exercise is absolutely paramount for good health now and into our golden years. And it doesn’t have to take much to make a difference. Whether it’s through walking, running, fitness classes or strength training, maintaining your physical health will pay off down the road. If you’re not used to exercising, start slow. You can take a short walk or try out an exercise video. Try to incorporate at least 20 minutes of activity a day for optimal benefits.
Surely you remember the ditty about “head, shoulders, knees and toes” from childhood. You can take care of all those body parts and more by adding some extras to your daily routine. Gentle exercise, good eating habits, and staying hydrated are some of the best habits you can form.
The health payoff will be exponential.
The X10 Meta-Blog
We call it a “Meta-Blog.” In these articles we step back and give you a broad perspective on all aspects of knee health. We explore surgery and recovery and such subjects as ‘Healthy Habits You Need In Your Life’.
This is a one-of-a-kind blog. We gather together great thinkers, doers, and writers. And it is all related to Knee Surgery, Recovery, Preparation, Care, Success and Failure. Meet physical therapists, coaches, surgeons, and patients. And as many smart people as we can gather to create useful articles for you. You may have a surgery upcoming. Or in the rear-view mirror. Maybe you just want to take care of your knees to avoid surgery. In all cases you should find some value here. Executive Editor: PJ Ewing (info@x10therapy.com)